A watched pot does boil. Watching water boil is awesome. It’s science
and magic together. Witnessing the application of heat to still water,
and then the transition of water to steam really is magic, and a great
first step.

First,
“crab eye” bubbles form and the kettle begins to steam. Those tiny
bubbles dance and bounce and merge to form larger, hotter bubbles.
Finally steam blasts out of the kettle as the water turns to “old man
water,” i.e. a truly roiling boil. And then it's over. The kettle shuts off automatically. Witnessing this is awesome,
and sets the stage for making great tea.